Bayern versus City: The Schalke Blue View

VMC caught up in Munich today with Schalke and City's very own Markus Rehse, our man in Germany, to run the rule over the Bundesliga leaders ahead of tomorrow night's eagerly awaited Champions League clash...

Markus, of 'Schalke Supporters Club' and 'Bredbury Blues Gelsenkirchen' took time out from the all new Manchester City Oktoberfest to tell it like it is!

1. We're not really here, Markus! Bayern Munich versus Manchester City. Can City come away from the Allianz Arena with that winning feeling?

'I think that with this first Champions League away match, we will open a great international period for City. During the next years, we will get what we have long deserved!

'It won't be easy for us on Tuesday, because Bayern Munich now is the strongest team in Germany and they are very successful in the Bundesliga. The match will be better for us though, because Munich want to win and to finish the group on top. Be aware! They will not act defensively like Italian sides!'

2. You've seen this year with Schalke at close quarters the capabilities of Jupp Heynckes' men. Who are the danger men that City should be on the alert for?

'Jupp Heynckes has a lot of good players in his squad. Munich signed Manuel Neuer from Schalke in August and now on Tuesday, both Germany and England's international goalkeepers will be on the pitch. Gomez is the top scorer for Munich, but Ribery is their most dangerous man! He can decide a match. Munich is a stable team, because this squad is the same as last season!'

3. What's the story for City's travelling army in Munich? Can you recommend any do's and don'ts, places to be and not to be!?

'I think most of our City supporters will try to visit the Oktoberfest before match. I will be there with my friends from Stockport. In Germany it is not forbidden to drink on the street, around and in the ground, but in the ground you will get only beer without alcohol. Smoking is not allowed in Pubs and Restaurants, but you can smoke a cigarette in the ground.'

4. How are The Citizens perceived in Germany now that Roberto Mancini's exciting squad have arrived at the very top table? We saw Franck Ribery put his head in his hands when the group stage draw was announced. Was that indicative of Bayern genuinely worried??

'Now we are one of the top four in England! With our gaffer and this team everything is possible! Everywhere around the world City is becoming more and more popular! We won the Cup last season and know we can be on top of the league at the end of next May!

'Now the world recognizes that there are two teams in Manchester. Okay, one in Manchester and one in Stretford.

In Germany, it's known that City have had a lot of great German players in the past, but German football supporters still have a problem with 'sold' clubs. In Germany, the members are the owners of our clubs and therefore we see Investment Groups or private owners with critical eyes. For the English, it is normal if their club gets a new owner, but for the Germans it is like selling the tradition and the soul of the club.'

5. How far do you think City can go in The Champions League?

'With our squad everything is possible. I think we will make the semis this season. Maybe we will see our beloved Blues here in May again! Fingers crossed…'

6. YOU are Roberto Mancini: How would you set your City team to play up for the challenge at Bayern?

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